Islamabad, Mar 6, 2025: A fresh travel restriction under former President Donald Trump’s administration may soon limit entry into the United States for individuals from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
According to three sources familiar with the situation, as reported by Reuters, this policy could take effect as early as next week.
The sources, who requested anonymity, hinted that additional countries might be affected, though specifics were not disclosed.
This decision mirrors Trump’s earlier travel bans targeting Muslim-majority nations, a policy that underwent several modifications before receiving Supreme Court approval in 2018.
When President Joe Biden assumed office, he revoked the ban in 2021, describing it as “a mark on our national integrity.”
If reinstated, the travel restrictions could severely affect thousands of Afghans approved for relocation under refugee programs or Special Immigrant Visas (SIV).
Many of these individuals assisted the U.S. military during its two-decade-long presence in Afghanistan and now face severe threats from the Taliban.
On January 20, Trump signed an executive order mandating stringent security screenings for foreign visitors to detect potential threats to national security.
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The order instructs government officials to compile a list by March 12 of nations that should face full or partial travel suspensions due to insufficient security protocols.
According to multiple sources cited by Reuters, Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to appear on this list.
As of now, departments such as State, Justice, and Homeland Security, alongside the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
One insider emphasized that Afghans already approved for resettlement undergo one of the most rigorous security vetting processes worldwide.
The State Department office responsible for their relocation is reportedly seeking an exemption for SIV holders, though approval remains uncertain.
Last month, Reuters reported that officials instructed the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts to draft a closure plan by April.
Since the Taliban assumed control of Kabul in August 2021, Afghanistan has experienced continuous turmoil, including an insurgency from ISIS-K. Meanwhile, Pakistan is grappling with escalating extremist violence.
This travel restriction aligns with Trump’s broader immigration policies, as outlined in his October 2023 speech, where he vowed to limit entry from regions considered security risks, including Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
Shawn VanDiver, leader of #AfghanEvac, a coalition aiding Afghan resettlement, urged visa holders to travel to the U.S. promptly.
Many remain stranded in Afghanistan and nearly 90 other nations, including approximately 20,000 in Pakistan, following Trump’s executive order freezing refugee admissions and halting financial aid for relocation efforts.
